HAMILTON-WENTWORTH DISTRICT SCHOOL BOARD
Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board Welcomes New Superintendent of Business Services and Chief Financial Officer

Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board (HWDSB) is pleased to announce the appointment of Rajini Nelson, CPA, as its Superintendent of Business Services and Chief Financial Officer (CFO). 

Rajini is a Chartered Professional Accountant and experienced senior leader with more than 20 years of expertise in financial management, business services, and organizational leadership across Ontario's education sector and the private sector. 

Rajini joins us from Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board (BHNCDSB) where she has served as the Superintendent of Business and Treasurer and as a member of the Senior Administration Team. In this role, she provided executive leadership across the Board's financial and business operations, including budgeting and financial reporting, audit and internal controls, payroll, procurement, risk management, facilities, capital planning, major capital projects and transportation.  

Prior to joining BHNCDSB, Rajini spent 17 years with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), holding a variety of increasingly senior finance positions. Her extensive experience included leadership responsibilities in public sector financial management, budget development, financial reporting and accountability, culminating in her role as Assistant Comptroller, Budget and Financial Reporting. 

Her combined experience at TDSB and BHNCDSB has provided Rajini with a broad perspective on the financial and operational opportunities and challenges facing Ontario school boards. This breadth of experience has provided her with a strong understanding of organizational governance, financial stewardship and operational excellence across diverse environments. Throughout her career, she has worked collaboratively with Trustees, Senior Administration, school and system leaders, Ministry partners and other stakeholders to support responsible stewardship of public resources while keeping student achievement, well-being and organizational sustainability at the centre of decision making.  

"We are delighted to welcome Rajini to Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board," said Sheryl Robinson Petrazzini, CEO. "Her proven leadership, deep expertise in public sector finance, and commitment to excellence will strengthen our ability to support student achievement through sound financial management and strategic planning."   

"I am honoured to join Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board as Superintendent of Business Services and Chief Financial Officer," said Nelson. "I look forward to working alongside Executive Council, staff, Trustees, families and community partners in support of student success and well-being. I believe that strong financial stewardship and effective business operations play an important role in creating the conditions for students and staff to thrive. As I begin this new role, I am excited to contribute to the important work underway at HWDSB." 

Nelson will officially join HWDSB on November 2, 2026. As Superintendent of Business Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, she will lead the Board's business portfolio and provide strategic oversight of financial planning, budgeting, facilities, capital projects, procurement, transportation, and other key operational services that support student success and well-being across the district. 

Please join us in welcoming Rajini to Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board.